Axial force limiting cosmetic marking devices

ABSTRACT

A marking member (such as a cosmetic crayon or brush) disposed within a barrel is urged into engagement with a companion member (such as a sharpener or cosmetic mass) disposed in a cap rotatably mounted on the barrel through the action of a screw and nut device, the male member of the screw and nut device being slidably splined to the barrel, its companion female member being rotatable relative to the male member, the female member being rotated by the cap through a slippable clutch, which will slip upon engagement of the marking member against the companion member with a predetermined axial force, thereby limiting the force with which the marking member may engage its companion member and preventing crushing of the crayon or undue deformation and pressure of the brush against the cosmetic mass.

United States Patent [191 Spatz Oct. 30, 1973 AXIAL FORCE LIMITING COSMETIC MARKING DEVICES Walter B. Spatz, Santa Monica, Calif.

Assignee: Spatz Corporation, Venice, Calif.

Filed: Dec. 6, 1971 App], No.: 205,225

lnventorz' References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1965 Aston ..4o1 50x 4/1961 Melnikoff ..401 s1 Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles Att0rneyBernard Kriegel [57] ABSTRACT A marking member (such as a cosmetic crayon or brush) disposed within a barrel is urged into engagement with a companion member (such as a sharpener or cosmetic mass) disposed in a cap rotatably mounted on the barrel through the action of a screw and nut device, the male member of the screw and nut device being slidably splined to the barrel, its companion female member being rotatable relative to the male member, the female member being rotated by the cap through a slippable clutch, which will slip upon engagement of the marking member against the companion member with a predetermined axial force, thereby limiting the force with which the marking member may engage its companion member and preventing crushing of the crayon or undue deformation and pressure of the brush against the cosmetic mass.

9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures AXIAL FORCE LIMITING COSMETIC MARKING DEVICES The present invention relates to cosmetic applicators, such as self-sharpening cosmetic crayons, brushes advanced againsta cosmetic mass, and the like.

Screw and nut devices have been embodied in cosmetic applicators for axially feeding a crayon against a companion sharpener as a result of rotating the forward cap portion of the applicator relative to its rear barrel portion, to relatively turn the screw and nut portions of the device, the screw and nut device continues to feed the crayon against the sharpener while the latter rotates and cuts the point on the end portion of the crayon. However, the axial force may become too great, resulting in crushing of the crayon.

By virtue of the present invention, the axial force cannot exceed a predetermined value, since the relative rotation between the threaded parts of the screw and nut device is transmitted from the cap through a slippable clutch to the female portion of the device, the clutch slipping when the torque transmitted therethrough exceeds a predetermined value, thereby limiting the forward feed of the crayon against the sharpener, the 'cap still being capable of rotating to turn the sharpener with respect to the crayon. As the point continues to be formed on the crayon, the axial force may decrease, the clutch again becoming effective to transmit rotary motion to the female member of the screw and nut device to feed the crayon forwardly to the extent at which the predetermined axial force is again exceeded.

The invention is also applicable to other specific types of cosmetic devices, such as brush applicators. The brush of an applicator, such as a blusher brush, may be retracted into and projected from a barrel by a screw and nut device. The turning of a cap on the barrel and the transmission of the rotary motion of a cap through a slippable clutch to the female portion of the screw and nut device will move the brush forwardly of the barrel and against a cosmetic mass in the cap, the rotation of the cap around the brush insuring the transfer of a sufficient portion of the mass to the brush. The axial force of the brush against the mass is limited by slipping of the clutch, which stops the axial feed of the brush, the cap still being capable of rotating with respect to the brush to continue applying the cosmetic mass thereto. Upon removal of the cap, the brush may be propelled forwardly from the barrel to the desired extent of brush exposure for application of the cosmetically coated brush against the person.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide improved cosmetic applicators, in which the axial force or thrust of a marking member against a companion member is limited, while relative rotation between the marking member and companion member can continue. More specifically, the forward feeding occurs as a result of rotating a-cap on a barrel and transmitting the rotation through a slippable clutch to the female member of the screw and nut device, the male member of which is connected to the marking member to axially feed the same toward and against the companion member, the cap being able to continue rotating the companion member while the clutch is slipping, the cap also being removable from the barrel 'to expose the marking member for use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic pencil, in which a crayon is urged axially against the sharpener by a screw and nut device, and in which forward feeding or pressure of the crayon against the sharpener is limited, while relative rotation between the sharpener and crayon can continue to sharpen the end of the crayon.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic brush applicator, in which the brush is urged axially against the cosmetic mass by a screw and nut device and in which forward feeding or pressure of the brush against the mass is limited, while relative rotation of the brush against the mass can continue.

' This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be more clearly apparent from a consideration of several forms in which it may be embodied. Such forms are shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present'specification. These forms will now be described in detail for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a cosmetic self-sharpening pencil embodying the invention, with the interior portion illustrated in side elevation;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, through the forward portion of the pencil illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-section taken along; the line 33 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section through another embodiment of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 as being applicable to a self-sharpening pencil that includes a rear barrel structure 10 and a forward cap structure 11 removably mounted thereon. The barrel includes a rear portion 12 connected through a swivel 13 to a forward barrel portion 1 4. As illustrated, the forward barrel portion has a rear part 15 piloted within the forward end of the rear portion 12, the pilot portion including a circumferential rib l6 fitting within a companion circumferential groove 17 in the rear barrel portion, the rib l6 and groove 17 providing the swivel connection; The rear and forward barrel portions are made of a suitable synthetic resin, which will deform sufficiently to enable the forward barrel portion 14 to be thrust into the rear barrel portion 12 until the rib '16 is opposite the groove 17, deflecting outwardly thereinto, at which time a rearwardlyfacing shoulder 18 on an enlarged portion 19 of the forward barrel member can contact theforwa'rd end 20of the rear barrel portion.

The forward barrel portion has a passage 21 therethrough in which a crayon 22 is received, this crayon making a force-fit Within the socket 23 of an adapter or head 24 slidable along the passage wall, this head being threadedly secured to the forward end of an elongate, externally threaded shaft or male member 25 extending rearwardly within the rear barrel portion '12, and constitute part of a screw and nut device. The threaded member terminates in a rear head 26 that makes a slidable splined connection with the rear barrel portion 12. As disclosed, the head is "of hexagonal shape with its corners 27 slidably fitting within companion keyways' 28 provided within the rear barrel portion, thereby preventing relative rotation between the-threaded shaft 25 and rear barrel portion 12 while permitting axial movement in both forward and rearward directions of the threaded shaft 25 within the rear barrel portion, and

also within the passage 21 of the forward barrel portion 14.

Rotation of the forward barrel portion with respect to the rear barrel portion 12 will rotate a threaded female member 29 of the screw and nut device, that threadedly meshes with the threaded male member or shaft 25. Since the female member 29 can only move axially to a slight extent, its rotation within the rear barrel portion 12 will effect axial feeding of the threaded shaft 25 and of the crayon 22 connected thereto within the entire barrel of the pencil. The rotary effort of the forward barrel portion 14 is transmitted through a slippable clutch 30 to the female member 29, such that turning of the female member will cease when the torque transmitted thereto exceeds a predetermined value, which corresponds to the axial thrust of the crayon 22 against a companion member 31, such as a sharpener, disposed within the cap structure 11 of the cosmetic device. As specifically illustrated, the friction clutch is comprised by an outer clutchportion 32 in the rear part of the forward barrel that provides a counterbore 33 within which the forward part of the female threaded member 29 is received. The peripheral portion of the female member frictionally bears against the wall of the counterbore 33, thereby providing the frictional engagement between these parts, providing the slippable, friction clutch 30.

The cap 11 of the pencil specifically illustrated is made in two parts; namely, a sleeve 34, which may be metallic, encircling the forward barrel portion 14 and making a friction fit with the periphery 35 of its enlarged diameter section 19. This sleeve has a reduced diameter forward part 36 piloted within a forward cap portion 37, making a friction fit therewith. The sharpener 31 is mounted within the forward sleeve portion 36 and makes a force-fit therewith, such that the sharpener and sleeve always rotate together, the tapered part of the sharpener projecting forwardly beyond the nose 38 of the barrel and having a sharpening edge 39 adapted toprovide the point on'the end of the crayon 22, which projects forwardly beyond the barrel nose 38. The forward cap portion 37 is removable from the sleeve 34 when the chamber 40 in the cap 37 is to be emptied of cuttings.

The metallic sleeve 34 and forward cap portion 37 are removable as a unit from the barrel 10 when the sharpened crayon is to be used. The friction fit between the forward cap portion 37 and the reduced diameter part 36 of the sleeve is substantially greater than the friction fit of the sleeve on the forward barrel portion 19, such that the two cap portions 37, 34 and the sharpener 31 all rotate as a unit during the sharpening operation. The sleeve 34 and forward cap portion 37 are also removable from the barrel as a unit. The friction force exerted between the female threaded member 29 and the wall of the counterbore 33 is less than the friction force of the metal sleeve 34 against the periphery of the barrel section 19, in order that rotation of the cap 11 as a unit will also effect rotation of the forward barrel portion 14, and, through the slippable clutch 30, rotation of the female threaded member 29, for the purpose of axially feeding the threaded shaft 25 and crayon 22 within the barrel 10 and against the cutter 31. When the axial force of the crayon against the sharpener exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the torque transmitting limit of the slippable clutch 30, the latter will slip and rotation of the female member 29 with respect to the threaded shaft 25 will then cease, there being no further forward feeding of the crayon against the sharpener. Turning of the cap 1 1, however, can continue to continue producing the point on the crayon 22. When some cuttings have been formed, the end force, and consequently the torque transmitted through the slipping clutch 30 will decrease, effecting a further rotation of the threaded female member 29 around the threaded shaft 25 and additional forward feeding of the crayon 22 against the sharpener 31, the clutch slipping whenever its torque transmitting capacity, which corresponds to the end thrust of the crayon against the sharpener, is exceeded. The clutch 30 may slip intermittently until the required point is produced on the pencil 22, whereupon the entire cap 11, including its rear sleeve portion 34, is pulled off the forward portion 14 of the barrel, permitting the crayon applicator to be used.

It is apparent that a cosmetic pencil has been provided in which the axial force that can be imposed on the crayon 22 is limited to a safe value, as a result of the ability of the clutch 30 to slip, thereby preventing crushing of the crayon or its other deformation.

The form of invention illustrated in FIG. 4 is of a brush applicator, in which a brush 50 is urged and turned against a cosmetic mass 51. As disclosed, the brush applicator includes a rear barrel 52 comprising a forward portion 53 having opposed longitudinal slots or keyways 54 therethrough extending from a forward portion of the barrel to its rearward portion. The barrel includes a rear wheel or drive member 55, the forward portion 56 of which projects over the forward barrel portion 53 and which is suitably welded, or otherwise secured, to the forward barrel member. The brush is disposed in the barrel 52, the rear portion of the brush tuft 57 being suitably secured to a head 58 fixed within a socket member 59 within the barrel, the rear portion of which constitutes the male member 60 of a screw and nut device. It is provided with oppositely directed pins 61 extending through the keyways 54 to form a slidable spline connection with the barrel 52, these pins further projecting within a helical thread or groove 62 in an elongate threaded female member 63 rotatably mounted on the barrel 52, and constituting the female part of a screw and nut device. Forward movement of the female member is limited by its engagement with a forward shoulder 64 on the barrel, its rearward movement being limited by its engagement with the drive member55. It will be apparent that turning of the female member 63 on the barrel will effect axial movement of the male member 60, and brush 50 connected thereto, within and with respect to the bar-rel. Thus, projection of the brush to a substantial extent out of the forward end of the barrel can occur.

The female member 63 is rotated through the agency of rotating a cap 65 that encompasses the female member 63 and the barrel 62 in advance of a shoulder 66 on the member 55, which limits the extent to which the cap 65 can be mounted over the barrel. This cap may v have the same external diameter as the wheel member 55. The cap has a forward end closure 67 against which a cup 68 engages, the cup containing a suitable cosmetic material 51 against which the brush tuft 57 is to be brought to bear for transfer thereonto of the cosmetic material in response to turning of the female member 63' on the barrel 52 and with respect to the male member 60. Turning of the female member is effected by transmitting the rotation of the cap 65 through a slippable friction clutch 300 which may include circumferentially spaced, inwardly directed'pads 70 integral with the cap, the inner surface of these pads frictionally bearing against the periphery 71 of the female member 63. The friction clutch 30a hasa limited and predetermined torque transmitting capacity. When such torque is exceeded, continued rotation of the cap 65 will be incapable of continuing to turn the female member 63 on the barrel 52 and with respect to the male member 60, and, therefore,.will be incapable of continuing the axial forward feeding of the brush 50 within the barrel and against the cosmetic material 51.

As disclosed in FIG. 4, the brush 50 is in its fully retracted position within the barrel. The holding of the drive member 55 and the turning of the cap 65 will cause the turning effort to be transmitted through the friction clutch 30a to the female member 63 to rotate the latter with respect to the barrel 52 and the male member 60, effecting forward feeding of the male member and-of the brush 50 within the barrel 52, the forward end of the brush tuft 57 being brought to bear against the cosmetic mass 51 within the cap. When the end thrust exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the torque transmitting capacity of the slippable clutch 30a, the latter will slip and the rotation of the female member 63 will cease. However, the cap can continue to rotate the cosmetic mass 51 around'and against the end of the brush to effect a transfer of the cosmetic material thereto. The cap 65 may then be pulled off the female member 63 and barrel 52 to expose the end of the brush, the female member being turned to the extent desired to project the brush 50 forwardly from the barrel and permit its use in applying the cosmetic material to the deisred portion of the persons body.

It is, accordingly, apparent that a cosmetic applicator has been provided in which the axial'or end thrust of the brush 50 against the cosmetic mass 51 is limited, thereby precluding excessive application of the cosmetic mass to the brush or damage to the latter and to other parts of the device. Not only does the friction clutch 30a limit the amount of torque that can be transmitted to the internal sleeve or female member 63 and the axial force exerted by the brush against the cosmetic mass, but it also serves to retain the cap 65 on the threaded member 63 and with respect to the barrel 52 when the apparatus is not in use.

In assembling the cosmetic' brush, the rear wheel or drive member 55 of the barrel isat first separate from the forward barrel portion 53. The brush 50 is inserted into the rear of the barrel portion 53, the keys 61 fitting into the slots 54, projecting radially beyond the periphery of the forward barrel portion 53. The internal thread or helical groove 62 in the female member 63 opens forwardly into a forward counterbore 75 on the female member, which is greater in internal diameter than the diameter across the pins 61. This enables the female member 63 to be slipped over the barrel portion 53 from itsrear and threaded along the pins 61 until the female threaded member is in its forward position adjacent to the forward shoulder 64 of the barrel. The rear portion or drive member 55 of the barrel can now be inserted over the rear of the spline barrel portion 53 and the two parts suitably welded together in a known manner, the barrel components being made of a suitable synthetic resin. An axial stop 76 may project inwardly of the rear member 55 into the forward member 53 to limit the rearward movement of the brush 50 and male member 60 of the screw and nut device within the barrel 52.

I claim:

1. In an applicator: a barrel; a cap rotatably and removably mounted with respect to said barrel; marking means insaid barrel; a companion means in and rotatable with said cap for operation upon said marking means when engaged therewith; means for feeding said marking means forwardly in said barrel into engagement with said companion means, including a screw and nut device comprising a male member in said barrel connected to said marking means and a female member continuously threadedly engaged with said male member, a slidable spline connection between said male member and barrel to prevent relative rotation therebetween while permitting axial movement of said male member in said barrel to force said marking means into engagement with-said companion means; and means for transmitting rotary motion of said cap to said female member including a torque responsive friction clutch between said cap and female member adapted to slip at a predetermined torque imposed on said clutch to limit the axial force that can be imposed upon said marking means when engaged with said companion means, said friction clutch being separate from the threaded engagement of said female member with said male member.

2. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon.

3. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion.

4. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on saidfemale member.

5. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion.

6. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member.

7. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion,

said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch.

8. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion, said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member.

9. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion, said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon.

Patent NO. 3,768,915 Dated Qegob; 3Q, J 'g13 Invcntofls) Walter B. Spatz It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hcrpby corrected as s ho\-m below;

is P

Col 1,.-1ing 11: cane-e1 the" apd-substitute The".

" 6,- line 5.0: after "and." insert -a-;

Signed and ealed this 23rd day of April 197L T. I

(SEAL) Attes t:

EDWARD M.l-Lbifl0flli,lfl'i c l IARSHALL DANN' Attosting Officer Uommissiqner of Paten 

1. In an applicator: a barrel; a cap rotatably and removably mounted with respect to said barrel; marking means in said barrel; a companion means in and rotatable with said cap for operation upon said marking means when engaged therewith; means for feeding said marking means forwardly in said barrel into engagement with said companion means, including a screw and nut device comprising a male member in said barrel connected to said marking means and a female member continuously threadedly engaged with said male member, a slidable spline connection between said male member and barrel to prevent relative rotation therebetween while permitting axial movement of said male member in said barrel to force said marking means into engagement with said companion means; and means for transmitting rotary motion of said cap to said female member including a torque responsive friction clutch between said cap and female member adapted to slip at a predetermined torque imposed on said clutch to limit the axial force that can be imposed upon said markIng means when engaged with said companion means, said friction clutch being separate from the threaded engagement of said female member with said male member.
 2. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon.
 3. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion.
 4. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member.
 5. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion.
 6. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member.
 7. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion, said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch.
 8. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion, said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member.
 9. In an applicator as defined in claim 1; said barrel including a rear portion that includes said spline connection and a forward portion swivelly connected to said rear portion, said means for transmitting rotary motion including said forward portion; and means frictionally engaging said cap with said forward portion, said last-mentioned means having a greater torque transmitting capacity than said friction clutch; said friction clutch including means on said forward portion frictionally engaging means on said female member; said marking means being a crayon; said companion means being a sharpener for shaping the end of said crayon. 